tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8278279854278499192014-10-03T00:59:05.710-07:00Melissa's InspirationsMelissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14513401507895852618noreply@blogger.comBlogger113125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-827827985427849919.post-36455085018449961512013-06-08T16:19:00.002-07:002013-06-08T16:19:29.134-07:00At the End of the Day<div class="clearfix notePermalinkHeader" style="background-color: white; border-bottom-color: rgb(233, 233, 233); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; color: #333333; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px; margin: 15px; padding-bottom: 10px; zoom: 1;"><div class="clearfix noteHeaderContent" style="margin-left: 60px; zoom: 1;"><div class="_6a" style="display: inline-block;"><div class="_6a _6b" style="display: inline-block; vertical-align: middle;"><div class="uiHeader mbm" style="margin-bottom: 10px;"><div class="clearfix uiHeaderTop" style="zoom: 1;"><h2 class="uiHeaderTitle" style="color: #1c2a47; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px;">At the End of the Day</h2></div><div class="clearfix" style="zoom: 1;"><div class="uiHeaderSubTitle lfloat" style="float: left;"><div class="mbs fsm fwn fcg" style="color: #898f9c; margin-bottom: 5px;">by&nbsp;<a data-hovercard="/ajax/hovercard/user.php?id=1478157686" href="https://www.facebook.com/melissa.b.stokes" style="color: #3b5998; cursor: pointer; text-decoration: none;">Melissa Stokes</a>&nbsp;(<a href="https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1478157686&amp;sk=notes" style="color: #3b5998; cursor: pointer; text-decoration: none;">Notes</a>) on Saturday, November 28, 2009 at 7:09pm<span class="timelineUnitContainer" style="position: relative;"><div class="uiSelector inlineBlock audienceSelector timelineAudienceSelector audienceSelectorNoTruncate dynamicIconSelector uiSelectorNormal uiSelectorDynamicTooltip" style="display: inline-block; margin-left: 1px; margin-top: -3px; max-width: 200px; vertical-align: top; zoom: 1;"><div class="uiToggle wrap" style="position: relative;"><a aria-expanded="false" aria-haspopup="1" aria-label="Your friends" class="uiSelectorButton uiButton uiButtonSuppressed uiButtonNoText" data-hover="tooltip" data-label="" data-length="30" data-oid="187853548663" data-tooltip-alignh="center" data-tooltip="Your friends" href="https://www.facebook.com/notes/melissa-stokes/at-the-end-of-the-day/187853548663#" rel="toggle" role="button" style="-webkit-box-shadow: none; background-color: transparent; background-image: none; background-position: 100% -153px; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; background-size: auto; border: 1px solid transparent; color: #3b5998; cursor: pointer; display: inline-block; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 13px; max-width: 169px; padding: 2px 20px 2px 8px; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: top; white-space: nowrap;"><i class="mrs defaultIcon 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value="1077752832217">Lakeland</option><option value="1142136961780">Graceville Elementary/High School</option><option value="1062213163735">Family</option><option value="1142135841752">Plant City High School</option><option value="1076845569536">JCHS</option><option value="1736057929433">Sizemore Girls</option><option value="1136987233040">Gibsonia</option><option value="1546165422239">World Changers 2010</option><option value="1190429409061">Stokes</option><option value="1142135921754">Peace Creek Baptist</option><option value="1110172602691">franklin</option><option value="1206217563755">sizemore</option><option value="1142136161760">South Dakota</option><option value="1136986793029">Ray Hall</option><option value="1136986473021">Florida Worship Choir &amp; Orchestra</option><option value="1077752752215">Milton</option><option value="1076845729540">ONECO</option><option value="1142136281763">Plant City</option><option value="1142134321714">FBTC Daycare</option><option value="1299734101610">Pleasant Hill Baptist</option><option value="2327549396350">FBC Webster</option><option value="1183556197235">alist</option><option value="1142134641722">Kimmie's friends</option><option value="4587760100205">Inverness Christian Academy</option><option value="2603419772937">Baptist College of Florida</option><option value="2588419157931">Baptist FL</option><option value="2430707575240">Graceville High School</option><option value="2430702455112">Jefferson County High School</option><option value="2430702495113">Plant City High School</option><option value="2430702535114">Bushnell, Florida Area</option><option value="2698055858780">Acquaintances</option><option value="Go Back">Go Back</option></select></div></span></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><div id="noteMessageBox" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;"></div><div class="mbl notesBlogText clearfix" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 20px; padding: 15px 15px 0px; word-wrap: break-word; zoom: 1;"><div style="line-height: 1.5em;">At the end of the day<br />At the end of my rope<br />There is only one name<br />In which there is hope<br /><br />When I feel so drained<br />And my strenght is all gone<br />I cling to the Rock<br />And with faith I hold on<br /><br />The Lord is the only<br />One on whom I depend<br />He is my Savior,<br />My breath, life and friend<br /><br />And some day soon<br />In the twinkle of an eye<br />He'll come to take me<br />To Heaven for all time.<br /><br />Melissa Stokes 11/28/2009<br /><br />I was inspired to write this after reading a friend's status.</div></div><div class="noteFeedback" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px; padding: 0px 15px 10px;"><div class="fbTimelineUFI" style="position: relative;"><form action="https://www.facebook.com/ajax/ufi/modify.php" class="live_187853548663_316526391751760 commentable_item autoexpand_mode" data-live="{&quot;seq&quot;:0}" id="u_jsonp_3_15" method="post" rel="async" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><div class="fbTimelineFeedbackHeader"></div></form></div></div>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14513401507895852618noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-827827985427849919.post-38094532435404243442013-05-07T19:58:00.000-07:002013-05-07T19:58:35.775-07:00Your Adam<br />Several years ago I wrote a poem called Your Eve that is on this blog....tonight I wrote the companion piece to it and hope to have them hanging side by side on the wall.<br /><br />Your Adam<br />Melissa B Stokes, May 7, 2013<br /><br />I'll be the Adam to your Eve<br />The one by your side<br />The one to cherish &nbsp;you<br />For the rest of your life<br /><br />I'll be the head of our home<br />as our family I’ll lead<br />The one there to hold you<br />When it's comfort you need<br /><br />We can look past the sadness<br />and failure in the past<br />And together we will move on<br />with a love that will last<br /><br />God brought us together<br />in His time and His way<br />He is making something special<br />That will give Him the praise.<br /><br />From this moment forward<br />Until the end of time<br />I will be the true love of your life<br />And Melissa you'll be mine!!!<br />Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14513401507895852618noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-827827985427849919.post-35808719560430856222011-05-20T08:49:00.001-07:002011-05-20T08:49:27.018-07:00The Touch<div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Sometimes you can barely feel it</div><div>The touch from Heaven above</div><div>A stirring down deep inside you</div><div>A loving, gentle nudge</div><div><br /></div><div>Other times you can't escape it</div><div>It's upon you both day and night</div><div>The hand of reproof upon your shoulder</div><div>Guiding from wrong towards right</div><div><br /></div><div>This touch of God upon your life</div><div>Is a marvelous, wonderful thing</div><div>It's there upon all God's children</div><div>Discipline, love &amp; comfort to bring</div><div><br /></div><div>It guides you to salvation</div><div>Gives comfort when you are sad</div><div>And the love you feel from this touch</div><div>Is the greatest you'll ever have</div><div><br /></div><div>Can you feel his touch this day</div><div>Is his hand touching you</div><div>Accept his gift of amazing grace</div><div>Try &amp; see all He will do</div>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14513401507895852618noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-827827985427849919.post-35513566179297096112011-05-20T08:48:00.004-07:002011-05-20T08:49:08.923-07:00VBS - Our Very Best Service<div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>It's not just for kids</div><div>this VBS thing</div><div>for no matter what your age</div><div>joy it will bring</div><div><br /></div><div>our very best service</div><div>to Jesus Christ our King</div><div>is commanded of all of us</div><div>in Galations 5:13</div><div><br /></div><div>you may say you're too old</div><div>for vacation Bible school</div><div>but age is never a factor</div><div>when God gives the tools</div><div><br /></div><div>now is the time</div><div>to kneel down and pray</div><div>Lord, what part in our vbs</div><div>would YOU have me play?</div><div><br /></div><div>for it's not just the fun &amp; games</div><div>or the little songs we sing</div><div>VBS is the very best service </div><div>to God that we can bring.</div>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14513401507895852618noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-827827985427849919.post-51080303483159072822011-05-20T08:48:00.003-07:002011-05-20T08:48:51.393-07:00Waiting for you<div><br /></div><div>I am waiting</div><div>Hoping &amp; Praying</div><div>For an answer to my </div><div>Earnest pleas</div><div>You, O Lord God</div><div>are the only one</div><div>who can give </div><div>that answer to me</div><div>will you answer me</div><div>what will your answer be</div>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14513401507895852618noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-827827985427849919.post-72886599740326657262011-05-20T08:48:00.001-07:002011-05-20T08:48:32.640-07:00we say Thanks!<div><br /></div><div>to the patriot soldier who stood his ground</div><div>to gain freedom from a distant king</div><div>to the union &amp; confederate armies </div><div>who fought over the end of a way of living</div><div>to the brave me who fought the french, spanish &amp; indians</div><div>and charged up san juan hill</div><div>we say Thanks!</div><div><br /></div><div>to the me and women who fought in europe in 2 world wars</div><div>to end a dictator's reign</div><div>and to those laid to rest in hawaii's pearl harbor</div><div>when the japanese attacked that day </div><div>to the air force, army, navy and marines</div><div>who fought on the Korean soil</div><div>we say Thanks!</div><div><br /></div><div>to the veterans of our most recent wars</div><div>the forgotten souls who from vietman came back</div><div>the young men and women who went to kuwait</div><div>fighting for their freedom from iraq</div><div>we say Thanks!</div><div><br /></div><div>to the ones who even now continue to fight</div><div>to keep america free today</div><div>to the families that are left behind</div><div>we have only one thing to say</div><div>we say Thanks!</div><div> </div><div><br /></div>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14513401507895852618noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-827827985427849919.post-15156080021354848152011-05-20T08:47:00.004-07:002011-05-20T08:48:12.086-07:00The Simplicity of the Flag<div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Just simple strips of cloth</div><div>Sewn together with care</div><div>Yet through out the coming ages</div><div>This flag brave men will bear</div><div><br /></div><div>Three simple primary colors</div><div>Just red, white and blue</div><div>Blend together to form our Grand Old Flag</div><div>And mean so much to me and you</div><div><br /></div><div>Red is for the bloold men shed</div><div>To make our nation free</div><div>It also stands for the blood of Christ</div><div>Shed for us on Calvary</div><div><br /></div><div>Blue is for the loyalty of all those</div><div>Who strive to help our freedom remain today</div><div>But don't forget the cleansing water</div><div>When baptism washes our sins away</div><div><br /></div><div>White the purest of all colors</div><div>Signifying a pure unblemished new land</div><div>Reminds us how Christ's blood cleanses our life</div><div>So we can live one day in Heaven so grand</div><div><br /></div><div>Thirteen simple stripes of white and red</div><div>To honor the founding fathers in the first colonies</div><div>They bring to mind the pain filled stripes</div><div>Beat in the back of Jesus, our King</div><div><br /></div><div>Fifty stars of white - one for each United State</div><div>Nestled in a background made of blue</div><div>Show us if God cares for the stars</div><div>How much much his care for me and you</div><div><br /></div><div>So, next time you stand to pledge the flag</div><div>With you hand upon your heart</div><div>Say "Thank You" to God for making a way</div><div>And unto you grace He did impart.</div><div><br /></div><div>6/12/05</div>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14513401507895852618noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-827827985427849919.post-62871527116606465332011-05-20T08:47:00.003-07:002011-05-20T08:47:51.763-07:00The Clean Slate<div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>anticipaton runs thru the crowd</div><div>that has gathered there</div><div>the countdown begins from 10 to 1</div><div>as they welcome another brand new year</div><div><br /></div><div>many wake up the next morning</div><div>with their resolutions made</div><div>a new year's begun and we all can start</div><div>life again with a clean slate</div><div><br /></div><div>how will you deal with this brand new year</div><div>will you repeat the mistakes of the past?</div><div>will you focus on the temporal things</div><div>or on things that truely last?</div>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14513401507895852618noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-827827985427849919.post-62830054446373928112011-05-20T08:47:00.001-07:002011-05-20T08:47:33.641-07:00Resolution<div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Once again we find ourselves</div><div>at that magical time</div><div>when we gather once again</div><div>singing auld lang syne</div><div>lists are made by one and all</div><div>things you resolve to do</div><div>but how many list are forgotten</div><div>before january is through</div><div>before you begin to make your list</div><div>i have a suggestion for you</div><div>resolve to love God more fully</div><div>to let his light shine thru you</div><div>the new year lies before you</div><div>its opportunity untold</div><div>pray Lord let me take your word</div><div>make me courageous and bold</div><div>take the message of God's salvation</div><div>for everyone to hear</div><div>but most of all to serve you Lord</div><div>during this happy new year!</div><div><br /></div><div>12/31/06</div>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14513401507895852618noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-827827985427849919.post-3390637187558812222011-05-20T08:46:00.000-07:002011-05-20T08:47:12.711-07:00Pastor's Job<div><div><br /></div><div>The pastor's job is to - </div><div>P ~ Proclaim the word of the Lord for all to hear</div><div>A ~Admonish sinners to repent &amp; turn to God</div><div>S ~ Shepherd the flock God has placed in his care</div><div>T~ Teach the saints to follow the Lord</div><div>O ~Obey the commands of God</div><div>R~ Revere the Lord in all he says and does.</div></div><div><br /></div>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14513401507895852618noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-827827985427849919.post-79566764649882246902011-05-20T08:45:00.001-07:002011-05-20T08:45:30.810-07:00I'll Be<div><br /></div><div>When a woman learns she will have a child she proudly states - I'll be a mother</div><div>As the child develops within her, she promises that child - I'll be your nurturer.</div><div>When you are born &amp; come home with me - I'll be your caregiver.</div><div>As we play games, fly kites, blow bubbles &amp; chase fireflies in the dark - I'll be your playmate.</div><div>As I help you with school projects &amp; make things work as they should - I'll be your hero.</div><div>As I listen to your youthful secret crushes on the cutest boy or girl in class - I'll be your confidant.</div><div>As you learn about God &amp; his saving grace - I'll be your spiritual guide.</div><div>As you grow into adulthood - I'll be your friend.</div><div>Then one day the now grown child will turn to their mother and say...</div><div>As you were - I'll be your nurturer, caregiver, companion, confidant, prayer warrior &amp; friend.</div><div>But rest assure no matter how old I get, I'll always be your kid.</div>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14513401507895852618noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-827827985427849919.post-16957249468414039972011-05-20T08:44:00.002-07:002011-05-20T08:45:06.511-07:00Hymns have a Part<div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>I'm leaning on the everlasting </div><div>arms of Christ my King</div><div>Amazing grace how sweet the sound </div><div>that makes my soul to sing</div><div>What a friend we have Jesus</div><div>if in him we trust &amp; obey</div><div>And when we all get to Heaven</div><div>O, what a happy day!</div><div><br /></div><div>There was a time in days gone by</div><div>When a man would find his strength</div><div>To carry on from day to day</div><div>In the hymns his heart could sing</div><div>Now it seems the thing my friend</div><div>Is to leave the old hymns out</div><div>And we've lost the story they tell</div><div>and that's the saddest thing</div><div><br /></div><div>The time has come in the church's life</div><div>for us to bring in the sheaves</div><div>Just as I am washed whiter than snow</div><div>Oh, I've been redeemed</div><div>In my life, Lord </div><div>come and have thine own way</div><div>for in the old rugged cross &amp; the rock of ages</div><div>My faith has found a resting place</div><div><br /></div><div>So the next time you find yourself</div><div>with a hymn upon your heart</div><div>don't think they are old fashioned &amp; throw them out</div><div>Cause all hymns still have a part. </div>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14513401507895852618noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-827827985427849919.post-22044425270366696942011-05-20T08:44:00.001-07:002011-05-20T08:44:29.323-07:00Fill this void, Lord ~ A Hymn of Singleness<div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Fill this void, Lord</div><div>Fill this empty part of me</div><div>pur in your love and amazing grace</div><div>until you are all I see</div><div>fill this void, Lord</div><div>as only you can do</div><div>take this hole within my heart</div><div>and fill it up with you</div><div><br /></div><div>i walk around throughout my life</div><div>with a smile upon my face</div><div>i say and do the things i should</div><div>like an actor in a play</div><div>when i get home and all alone</div><div>my mask is torn away</div><div>i fall down on my knees</div><div>the only words that I can say </div><div><br /></div><div>Fill this void, Lord</div><div>Fill this empty part of me</div><div>pur in your love and amazing grace</div><div>until you are all I see</div><div>fill this void, Lord</div><div>as only you can do</div><div>take this hole within my heart</div><div>and fill it up with you</div><div><br /></div><div>my friend do you find yourself</div><div>living a life of pain</div><div>do you feel there's no way out</div><div>that you are playing a losing game</div><div>take this message to your heart</div><div>when faced with a test</div><div>God will fill your empty life</div><div>in Him you will find rest</div><div><br /></div><div>Fill this void, Lord</div><div>Fill this empty part of me</div><div>pur in your love and amazing grace</div><div>until you are all I see</div><div>fill this void, Lord</div><div>as only you can do</div><div>take this hole within my heart</div><div>and fill it up with you</div><div><br /></div><div>Fill this void, Lord</div><div>Fill this empty part of me</div><div>pur in your love and amazing grace</div><div>until you are all I see</div><div>fill this void, Lord</div><div>as only you can do</div><div>take this hole within my heart</div><div>and fill it up with you</div><div><br /></div><div>Fill this void, Lord</div><div>Fill this void, Lord</div><div><br /></div>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14513401507895852618noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-827827985427849919.post-53004430942758121012011-05-20T08:43:00.002-07:002011-05-20T08:44:00.526-07:00Easy to Praise Him<div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>It's so easy to praise the Lord on Sunday mornings when we are together in God's house with God's people. But do we find the time to sing His praise as we go throughout our daily life?</div><div>On Monday as we wake up &amp; prepare to go to work do we grumble that another weekend is over or do we praise God that we've been given another week to spread His love &amp; message.</div><div>When travelling to &amp; fro &amp; the other driver cuts you off, do you fuss &amp; have a fit or do you praise God for not getting hit by that other car.</div><div>It's time we remember that the God who is so easy to praise on Sundays is just as easy to praise the other six days...could it be that we just don't want to or just don't take the effort.</div>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14513401507895852618noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-827827985427849919.post-58130336609088690662011-05-20T08:43:00.001-07:002011-05-20T08:43:38.958-07:00Do We Remember?<div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Do we remember the reasons</div><div>the causes, the desires</div><div>the men and the women</div><div>who fanned freedom's fires?</div><div>the 1st century christians</div><div>meeting in secret rooms</div><div>fearing those on the outside </div><div>and the impending doom</div><div>the brave men and women</div><div>who sailed across the seas</div><div>as they answered the call</div><div>of freedom's loud ring</div><div>the patriot soldiers</div><div>at boston's port and bunker hill</div><div>standing against a king</div><div>to live by their own free will</div><div>the pioneers and the indians</div><div>fighting for the same thing</div><div>to live on their land</div><div>to give freedom wings</div><div>the north and the south</div><div>the yank and the reb</div><div>brother against brother</div><div>put freedom to the test</div><div>the list goes on and on as we remember era after era, acts of bravery in the name of freedom - the WWI soldiers, the Jews in the holocaust, the WWII men &amp; women fighting back after Pearl Harbor's attack, Korea, the forgotten Vietnam vets, Operation Desert Storm, September 11th, those we've lost in iraq &amp; afghanistan, the families, spouses, parents and children left at home...</div><div>America, do we rmember~~~~~~and do we say Thank you?!?</div>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14513401507895852618noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-827827985427849919.post-84889837737395140372011-05-20T08:42:00.002-07:002011-05-20T08:43:16.580-07:00Carry Her Light ~ Ode to Lottie Moon<div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>One December long ago</div><div>Was born an ordinary girl</div><div>Noone would've guessed this tiny child</div><div>Would one day change the world</div><div><br /></div><div>As she grew she was known</div><div>By the pranks and tricks she played</div><div>But one day a change came forth</div><div>When her heart to Jesus she gave</div><div><br /></div><div>The Lord placed upon her heart</div><div>A drawing need to go</div><div>To Tenghchow China as a missionary</div><div>His love for them to show</div><div><br /></div><div>She gave all she had to those there</div><div>She gave her very life</div><div>What more perfect example of God's love</div><div>Could we ever find</div><div><br /></div><div>Today we honor the memory</div><div> Of Charlotte "Lottie" Diggs Moon</div><div>With a yearly offering to fund</div><div>What our foreign missionaries do</div><div><br /></div><div>Lottie Moon lit her candle in</div><div>China all those years ago</div><div>Will you give this Christmas to light yours</div><div>Send your candle forth to go</div><div><br /></div><div>Carry her light and her message of</div><div>God, His Son &amp; His Love</div><div>Until the day when face to face</div><div>We'll meet Lottie in Heaven above.</div>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14513401507895852618noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-827827985427849919.post-68482406303289521112011-05-20T08:42:00.001-07:002011-05-20T08:42:34.936-07:00A Beginning Thru An Ending<div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>thru tear stained eyes they watch</div><div>as their loved one slips away</div><div>from life upon this sinful earth</div><div>to the blessed land of eternal day</div><div>it's hard for them to let go</div><div>of this one they held so dear</div><div>althought they know their better off</div><div>they selfishly want them here</div><div>to humans death seems final</div><div>an ending not happy but sad</div><div>but this is only partially true</div><div>it depends upon the lifestyle you've had</div><div>if you've rejected the Son of God</div><div>and lived your life to please only self</div><div>you will live for all eternity</div><div>and ending that leads to Hell</div><div>but if you've accepted God's precious gift</div><div>your heart can joyfully sing</div><div>for when you breathe your final breath</div><div>it's not the end - it's the beginning.</div><div><br /></div><div>6/4/06</div>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14513401507895852618noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-827827985427849919.post-31533444764183627412011-05-20T08:41:00.000-07:002011-05-20T08:42:00.866-07:00Well Done, Welcome Home<div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>at the end of this life</div><div>when we stand before his throne</div><div>the words we all long to hear</div><div>are "Well Done, Welcome Home"</div><div><br /></div><div>well done, my precious child</div><div>for all you have done</div><div>the times you gave all you had</div><div>spreading the message of my love</div><div><br /></div><div>you answered my call upon your heart</div><div>surrendered to me your life</div><div>then you went out in my son's name</div><div>bringing into darkness my grace &amp; light</div><div><br /></div><div>sure you had some days</div><div>when you felt the battle was lost</div><div>you didn't know if you could go on</div><div>if you could fully pay the cost</div><div><br /></div><div>it was on these days i brought to mind</div><div>some soul i had you reach</div><div>some person now bound for glory</div><div>because of the message you had to bring</div><div><br /></div><div>remember my child upon those days</div><div>when things aren't going right</div><div>when your body aches and you can't go on</div><div>total healing is in sight</div><div><br /></div><div>i'm busy preparing a place for you</div><div>to live eternally </div><div>where you will struggle no longer</div><div>only worship at my feet</div><div><br /></div><div>one day our lives will be over</div><div>our earthly bodies gone</div><div>we'll walk through gates of pearl</div><div>and hear "Well Done, Welcome Home"</div><div><br /></div><div>8-19-07</div><div>Inspired by Dewayne and Sue Murrell, FBC Polk City, FL</div>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14513401507895852618noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-827827985427849919.post-23678791575640175212011-05-20T08:40:00.000-07:002011-05-20T08:41:28.413-07:00What Kind of Love<div><br /></div><div>What kind of love</div><div>can cause an ordinary man </div><div>to give up his job &amp; life</div><div>to minister in a foreign land</div><div>what kind of love</div><div>will send a person under the knife</div><div>to give a part of themself</div><div>to save another's life</div><div>what kind of love</div><div>can open up two hearts</div><div>and lead those two to the altar where </div><div>they vow to never part</div><div>what kind of love</div><div>can stop a mother's flow of tears</div><div>when she's faced with the news</div><div>that her child's cry she'll never hear</div><div>what kind of love</div><div>could make you send your only son</div><div>to die upon a rugged cross</div><div>to save the souls of men to come</div><div>only the love that comes from God</div><div>can conquer anything</div><div>we can do the impossible </div><div>when our hearts to him we bring</div><div>what kind of love is this you say</div><div>that strenghtens, calms and cheers</div><div>it's a love that will never die</div><div>or fade throughout the years</div>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14513401507895852618noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-827827985427849919.post-15261214362189351222011-04-28T07:27:00.002-07:002011-04-28T07:28:17.692-07:00The Perfect Parents<div><br /></div><div>When I was a child and you would make me mad I would often wish God had given me my ideal of the perfect parents. As I have gotten older, God has shown me the qualitiess that make up a "perfect" parent. First on the list is an unconditional, never ending love. Next comes patience, selflessness, support, laughter, joy, the ability to let go when necessary, sacrifices, and most of all a love for God. In other words. . .</div><div>YOU!!!</div><div>I want to take this time to say that unspoken thanks for all you have done for or taught me during my childhood, youth and recent adulthood. When Chris and I were younger, I think we never stopped to think of all that you did without and gave up just so we could be happy. I am extremely grateful to you for all of this and most of all to God for seeing fit to send me to be Jerry and Wanda Stokes' little girl. I can only hope and pray that as I parent one day to my children I can do as good a job as you did. All my feelings can be summed up in the chorus of the song by Ray Boltz:</div><div>Thank you for giving to the Lord;</div><div>for I am a life that was changed</div><div>Thank you for giving to the Lord</div><div>I am so glad you gave.</div><div><br /></div><div>I Love you Mama and Daddy!</div><div>Merry Christmas 1992!</div>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14513401507895852618noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-827827985427849919.post-21380902760770341212011-04-28T07:27:00.001-07:002011-04-28T07:27:48.180-07:00Jerry & Wanda<div>Jerry &amp; Wanda</div><div><br /></div><div>You chose each other 35 years ago;</div><div>Of your own free will you came to be one. . .</div><div>With all you had , you vowed to share all that would come your way: physically, emotionally, spiritually.</div><div>You laugh in good times, cry in bad &amp; support each other in the valleys.</div><div>Your love and faithfulness has served as an example to others as you cherish &amp; honor each other.</div><div>You gave your vows to each other on November 4, 1966 &amp; choose to keep those vows daily.</div><div>May you continue to uphold the Lord's idea of marriage for many years to come.</div><div>Happy Anniversary</div><div>11-4-2001</div>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14513401507895852618noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-827827985427849919.post-71257386275678229892011-04-28T07:26:00.000-07:002011-04-28T07:27:20.375-07:00Clouds<div>Lazy sunny afternoons</div><div>perfect for adult or child</div><div>to lie on their back gazing up</div><div>at soft clouds drifting by</div><div>Imaginations soar on wings</div><div>as the birds up in the sky</div><div>what kind of pictures do you see</div><div>in the clouds floating by?</div><div>Many a summer afternoon</div><div>those fluffy white cotton puffs</div><div>have entertained many a child</div><div>just by looking up</div><div>a bear, a dog or a choo choo train</div><div>even a pig float by</div><div>a giggle is heard or even perhaps</div><div>a most contented sigh.</div><div><br /></div><div>4-27-11</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14513401507895852618noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-827827985427849919.post-35782592049382850312011-04-28T07:25:00.000-07:002011-04-28T07:26:44.067-07:00The Forestry Prayer<div><br /></div><div>Lord, Grant us your protection as we protect your creation.</div><div>Help us educate the human race to the importance of taking care of our natural resources.</div><div>Surround us with angels as we go out to fight the fires that strive to consume our woodlands.</div><div>Give those around us the understanding to step aside and let us do what we are trained to do.</div><div>May others see that we are doing the best we can to keep our trees and forests here for another generation to enjoy.</div><div>Daily show us your glory in each and every tree, plant, shrub and animal.</div><div>Use Smokey Bear to encourage future generations to become Rangers.</div><div>And may we always promote to the citizens of our nation that "Only You Can Prevent Forest Fires".</div><div><br /></div><div>Amen</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" ><i>written for my brother and his fellow employees of the Florida Division of Forestry</i></span></div>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14513401507895852618noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-827827985427849919.post-11060709938939544112011-04-06T10:07:00.001-07:002011-04-06T10:07:42.671-07:00The Blank Page<div>The sun rises early in the morn</div><div>Another new day begins </div><div>A blank page in life's story</div><div>Another chance to start again</div><div>Another chance to do what's right</div><div>To impact those you meet</div><div>To tell them about the Son of God</div><div>How they can walk on golden streets</div><div>The past has been forgotten</div><div>You can't go back in time</div><div>So embrace this new day</div><div>To make a difference in someone's life</div><div>As the sun goes past the horizon</div><div>At the end of the day</div><div>Will you see many things written there</div><div>Or will you still have a blank page?</div><div><br /></div><div>4-4-11</div>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14513401507895852618noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-827827985427849919.post-76174118485590920812011-03-19T06:41:00.001-07:002011-03-19T06:41:43.504-07:00Thanksgiving<div>Taking nothing for granted</div><div>Here we fall at your feet</div><div>All we have we give to you</div><div>Not withholding anything</div><div>King of all Kings</div><div>Saving all from sin</div><div>Giver of Life</div><div>Indwelling in men</div><div>Victory is ours</div><div>In the blood of the Son</div><div>Now lifting our voices</div><div>Glory to God, the most holy one.</div><div><br /></div><div>11-21-2010</div>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14513401507895852618noreply@blogger.com0